Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Special Guest Matthew Mead

I'm so thrilled to have Matthew Mead contribute today. It's the first time I've had the honor of hosting a guest post on the blog.

What a great way to kick off (hopefully) many more guest appearances by some of the creative people I admire most.

I'm completely smitten with the fresh ideas Matthew has put together to inspire you for Easter using my favorite colours. I'm pretty sure you will be too. Enjoy!

I love color and in a recent chat with Debra decided that my Easter style needed a bit of a color injection. Debra shared with me her love of spring green, turquoise and the colors of sea glass and it really inspired me to assemble some of my vintage collections to give myself a fresh color way.

I've collected Akro Agate plant pots for years in a range of colors. These pots were popular in the 30's and 40's and held tiny seedlings in the plant department at five and dime stores. The green colored pots have always been a vice but in the last few years I have expanded my range to shades including blue and teal.

I first assembled the pots as inspiration and then found some coordinating paints to hand paint some blown eggs.

Simply paint each egg and let dry thoroughly between coats. We use a foam board and toothpicks to hold the eggs as they dry. The great thing about these eggs is that they can be re-used from year to year and look great embellished with stickers, rub on letters, even glitter and scrapbook embellishments.

Use painted eggs to dress up the tops of potted plants and to corral around candles and centerpieces.

A single egg holds the “big bunny's” monogram but it could be yours or your guests.Just use rub off letters to mimic.

Floral notes for this look led me to use all white flowers including a favorite, white pansies. For a welcoming note on the breezeway I just hung a piece of twine and tucked in a mix of spring blossoms. The cool air will keep them fresh and my friends will marvel at such a simple touch.

I use my agate pots to perch eggs or to hold mini arrangements to dot the table or use as favors.

A vintage ice bucket in spring green marked “Japan” on the bottom makes an impromptu Easter basket filled with eggs, candies and a tiny bouquet of spring flowers.

An old slag glass mug with fun hobnail design was found at the flea market for $3.00. With some seam binding and a tag it morphs to an Easter basket/May basket.

M & M's in two shades of turquoise are mixed, bagged in real cellophane and tied with ribbons as departing favors of a wonderful meal and family day.

A vintage, blue compote holds a white chocolate bunny and other treats for guests.

I floated extra blossoms in a serving bowl filled with water. I purchase flats and flats of pansies to use for all of my spring entertaining. The more you pick the more they bloom and the kids always like to help with that chore.

Roll napkins and tie with twine (I kept the color way very focused) add a fresh pansy blossom for each setting.

We filled a green twiggy nest with chocolate Robin's eggs to fill out the center of the table.

You can create your own fresh ways be gathering your favorite collections and discerning a nice mix of hues. Match paints, candy colors, etc. and you have a very fresh and cohesive look for your table and décor. HAPPY EASTER! -- Matthew

By the way, I'm so excited to get my copy of Matthew's latest book Flea Market Finds. It promises to be full of inspiring diy's, craft and decor ideas using vintage treasures! Available in April via Amazon.

It will arrive just in time for the start of antique market season - my favorite time of year :)All photography by Matthew Mead

Hi! I'm visiting from Matthew Mead's blog ~ You have such beautiful Easter ideas! The white pansies are so lovely. I also appreciate your vintage finds and how you used white chocolate and turquoise eggs and m & m's.Wishing you even more Easter Joy!~ Mariaps. I'm off to finish my Barnes and Noble order with Matthew's book in my cart! I can't wait to receive it.